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Guinea Pig Nutrition The Right Vitamins For Your Cavy

26 11:02:18

Hay has to be readily available for your guinea pig at all times. (See my previous articles where we discussed putting a hay dispenser in your pet's cage.) Hay provides the enzymes that a guinea pig needs to digest its food properly. The hay that experts recommend is Timothy hay. You can find this at most pet stores or on the Internet. Most packages cost around five dollars. If your guinea pig is very young or is nursing, you can use alfalfa hay, but Timothy hay is best. (Alfalfa hay is too sweet).

 

Like you and me, guinea pigs' bodies do not manufacture their own Vitamin C, but like us; they have to have it to stay healthy and disease free. Look on the label of your guinea pig pellets to see if they are fortified with Vitamin C. If so, then the pellets need to be kept in a dark, cool place so that the Vitamin C doesn't become de-activated. If you would like, you can add Vitamin C to your pet's diet by crushing a tablet sold for humans into their drinking water or adding a special Vitamin C supplement for guinea pigs into their water.

Of course, just as it is with humans, one of the best ways to get vitamin C in our diets is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Providing your cavy with kale, tangerines, strawberries and other fresh produce ensures that they are getting the 5 mg per pound (about 15 mg for a three pound cavy) of vitamin C that they need each day.

If your guinea pig is pregnant, prepare to give her double the usual dosage of Vitamin C. You will need to at least double the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables for a pregnant guinea pig as well.